MIAMI — FIU's football program officially released its times and network television information for the 2026 campaign on Wednesday afternoon, in conjunction with Conference USA's (CUSA) league-wide announcement.
Set to embark on the second season under Head Coach Willie Simmons and build on the program's first bowl appearance since 2019, fans can now make preparations to support the Panthers, both in person and virtually, with the official announcement of games times and TV info for the 2026 slate. FIU's first five games will be played in the state of Florida, three at home on South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium along with two road matchups against in-state rivals USF and Fla. Atlantic. In total, the Panthers will play 8-of-12 games in the Sunshine State this season.
Notably, FIU will also have a stretch of four-consecutive nationally-televised games in October, one each on ESPN2 and ESPNU followed by two contests on CBS Sports Network.
The 2026 season kicks off under the lights at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 5 in Tampa with a 7 p.m. tilt at USF, of which will air on ESPN+. FIU then returns to the '305' for its home opener on Sept. 12 against Buffalo for a 6 p.m. start on ESPN+.
Heading north up I-95, the Panthers will take on Florida Atlantic in the annual Shula Bowl at 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 on ESPN+. FIU concludes its September slate home against LIU with a 6 p.m. kick-off on Sept. 26, airing on ESPN+.
October will feature the annual Weekday USA schedule, beginning with a home clash against New Mexico State on Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m., televised on ESPN2. The Panthers will then leave Florida for the first time in 2026, traveling to Jax State to take on the Gamecocks on Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.
FIU then hosts Middle Tennessee on Oct. 20 to conclude its weekday-game slate, of which kick off is set for 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. The Panthers then have their final scheduled national TV game on Halloween, Oct. 31, heading to Liberty for a 3:30 p.m. matchup, also on CBS Sports Network.
The Panthers welcome Missouri State for their next game on Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. in Miami, which will appear on ESPN Platforms. FIU then has back-to-back road games, also on ESPN Platforms, at Delaware (Nov. 14 | 3 p.m.) and Kennesaw State (Nov. 21 | 3 p.m.) to close out its road schedule. The final game of the 2026 regular season will be at home on Nov. 28 as FIU takes on Sam Houston at 2 p.m., once again designated for ESPN platforms.
All November games designated for ESPN platforms remain subject to the league's 12-day selection process, and kickoff times are subject to change based on television placement.
The 2026 CUSA Football Championship Game, of which is played at the league's top-seed in the regular season standings, will air Friday, Dec. 4, on CBS Sports Network at 6 p.m. CT.
SEASON TICKETS
For more information and to purchase FIU Football season tickets, visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office or call 305-FIU-GAME.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
